The Business of Show Business

Crystal Nicholls is a valid member of the dance charity organisation Dancers Career Development and works heavily as a coach supporting creatives.

Previously she worked as a dancer and musical theatre performer, including a 6 year run in The Lion King in the West End. In this episode, Crystal and journalist and presenter Jamie Body discuss the mindset needed to be a performer, what organisations can support you while in your career and after and the transferable skills performers have.

Crystal's website - https://www.crystalnicholls.com/

Dancers Career Development - https://thedcd.org.uk/

West End performer Rory Phelan on building a career in musical theatre, surviving the industry & launching Stage Strong | The Business of Show Business Podcast

In Season 6 Episode 2 of The Business of Show Business, Jamie Body sits down with West End actor and fitness coach Rory Phelan to talk about life in musical theatre, building resilience in the industry, and why physical and mental strength matter more than ever for performers.

Rory shares behind-the-scenes stories from starring in:

1. Heathers: The Musical
2. Club Tropicana The Musical
3. Grease
4. Mamma Mia!
5. Saturday Night Fever

Alongside performing in the West End and touring productions, Rory founded Stage Strong — a fitness and mindset coaching programme designed specifically for actors and performers.

Working with clients across the West End, Broadway, and productions on Netflix, Rory helps performers build consistency, confidence and control — approaching the #ActorsLife with more energy, focus and longevity.

In this episode, we cover:

• Breaking into musical theatre

• Staying physically strong during long runs

• Managing rejection and resilience

• The reality of West End life

• Building a business alongside performing

• Fitness for actors & performer wellbeing

If you're an aspiring performer, working actor, or creative building a career in show business — this episode is packed with insight.

🎙 Subscribe for more conversations with industry professionals.

The Business of Show Business is back and to launch season 6 I brought back season 1 guest Graeme Pickering.

So much has happened since casting director/consultant, choreographer and educator Graeme Pickering appeared on the podcast in first season.

You can listen to his season 1 episode here.

In this episode Graeme shares what life as a casting consultant is like while sharing tips for singers, dancers and actors wanting to secure, tours, West End contracts and cruise ship opportunities. He also discusses his new CIC Stammers Matter and a whole lot more.

Find out more about Graeme on his website here.

That's a wrap on season 5 of The Business of Show Business podcast.

After 10 fantastic guests from the entertainment, arts and culture sector, season 5 has come to an end. Don't panic, season 6 is already in development with lots of new guests and subjects to explore.

In this episode of The Business of Show Business podcast, entertainment journalist and presenter Jamie Body sits down with Courtney Ortiz.

Jamie and Courtney's paths crossed many years ago when they both worked as dancers for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

Courtney is a professional dancer, educator and adjudicator based in New York City.

Some of her credits include the Broadway National Tour of Finding Neverland, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes, and the first-ever revival in 30 years of Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, performed at The Muny and TUTS!

In this episode, the pair talk about dance competitions and conventions, dance copyright and much more.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.

Season 5 episode 9 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with prima ballerina and dance star of Prime Video's Étoile Constance Devernay-Laurence.

From working her way up to Principal ballet dancer at the Scottish Ballet to touring and long days on set, Constance talks about growing her skill set, how dancers can break into TV and all things The Business of Show Business.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.

Season 5 episode 8 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with theatre critic and creative writer Sam Marlowe.

Sam Marlowe is reviews editor for The Stage. She trained and worked as an actor before becoming a full-time arts writer with a special interest in theatre and performance. She has written extensively for the Times, as well as the Independent, the i paper, Time Out, Metro, theartsdesk.com and the Chicago Tribune

In this episode, we discuss the importance of theatre reviewing, loving what you do and all things The Business of Show Business.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.

Season 5 episode 7 sees former dancer and now journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with dancer turned personal trainer and fitness guru Chelsea Labadini.

In this episode they discuss full body health and the fitness facts performers actually need to know.

From what fuels your body to utilising social media to build your brand, join them as they discuss all things The Business of Show Business.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.

Season 5 episode 6 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with West End performer and co-founder of West End Tails, Jack Greaves.

Having performed in West End musicals such as Matilda and The Book of Mormon, as well as Starlight Express in Germany, Jack has now utilised his business skills to open a central London dog care space.

In this episode, we discuss building a personal brand, launching a business from scratch and all things The Business of Show Business.

If you want a sneak peek behind the running of a business while also performing, this is the episode for you.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.

Season 5 episode 5 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with casting associate Bailey Frances.

After a 12-year career in the arts, working as a dancer and model, Bailey discovered another side of the industry and started her journey into Casting in 2018.

Bailey has worked for a number of well-known Casting Directors, including Tree Petts Casting, Kate and Lou Casting and is now an Associate at Shakyra Dowling Casting CSA.

Bailey shares swapping her dancing shoes for the other side of the table.

If you want a sneak peek behind the casting curtain, this is the episode for you.